Career Profile
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
General Information
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
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Petroleum Engineers
Occupational Outlook
For the Rural Capital Area
Job Opportunities
Over the next five years, an average of 5 openings per year are projected for Petroleum Engineers.
Employment Change
Employment for Petroleum Engineers is forecasted to increase on par with the regional average by 13.1% between 2023 and 2028.
Earnings Potential
An average worker in this occupation is paid $61.21/hour. Entry level workers are paid $42.00, while experienced workers are paid $80.73. The median wage is significantly above average regional wages across occupations.
Local Employment Opportunities
There are 53 Petroleum Engineers in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 60.
Top 5 Employing Industries, Locally
The top industries employing Petroleum Engineers are Oil and Gas Extraction, Support Activities for Mining, and Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services.
Knowledge Areas
The top most significant knowledge categories for Petroleum Engineers include Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, and Physics.
Educational Attainment Patterns
The most common level of education for Petroleum Engineers is Bachelor's. 91% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree.